The causes of these violent screamings in the night are various. At one time, they proceed from teething; at another, from worms; sometimes, from night-mare; occasionally, from either disordered stomach or bowels. Each of the above causes will, of course, require a different plan of procedure; it will, therefore, be necessary to consult a medical man on the subject, who will soon, with appropriate treatment, be able to relieve him.
241. Have the goodness to describe the complaint of children called Mumps.
The mumps, inflammation of the "parotid" gland, is commonly ushered in with a slight feverish attack. After a short time, a swelling, of stony hardness, is noticed before and under the ear, which swelling extends along the neck towards the chin. This lump is exceedingly painful, and continues painful and swollen for four or five days. At the end of which time it gradually disappears, leaving not a trace behind. The swelling of mumps never gathers. It may affect one or both sides of the face. It seldom occurs but once in a lifetime. It is contagious, and has been known to run through a whole family or school; but it is not dangerous, unless, which is rarely the case, it leaves the "parotid" gland, and migrates either to the head, to the breast, or to the testicle.
242. What is the treatment of Mumps?
Foment the swelling, four or five times a day, with a flannel wrung out of hot camomile and poppy-head decoction; [Footnote: Four poppy-heads and four ounces of camomile blows to be boiled in four pints of water for half an hour, and then strained to make the decoction.] and apply, every night, a barm and oatmeal poultice to the swollen gland or glands. Debar, for a few days, the little patient from taking meat and broth, and let him live on bread and milk, light puddings, and arrow-root. Keep him in a well-ventilated room, and shut him out from the company of his brothers, his sisters, and young companions. Give him a little mild, aperient medicine. Of course, if there be the slightest symptom of migration to any other part or parts, instantly call in a medical man.
243. What is the treatment of a Boil?
One of the best applications is a Burgundy-pitch plaster spread on a soft piece of wash leather. Let a chemist spread a plaster, about the size of the hand; and, from this piece, cut small plasters, the size of a shilling or a florin (according to the dimensions of the boil), which snip around and apply to the part. Put a fresh one on daily. This plaster will soon cause the boil to break; when it does break, squeeze out the contents—the core and the matter—and then apply one of the plasters as before, which, until the boil be well, renew every day.
The old-fashioned remedy for a boil—namely, common yellow soap and brown-sugar, is a capital one for the purpose. It is made with equal parts of brown sugar and of shredded yellow soap, and mixed by means of a table-knife on a plate, with a few drops of water, until it be all well blended together, and of the consistence of thick paste; it should then be spread either on a piece of wash-leather, or on thick linen, and applied to the boil, and kept in its place by means either of a bandage or of a folded handkerchief; and should he removed once or twice a day. This is an excellent application for a boil—soothing, comforting, and drawing—and will soon effect a cure. A paste of honey and flour, spread on linen rag, is another popular and good application for a boil.
If the boils should arise from the child being in a delicate state of health, give him cod-liver oil, meat once a day, and an abundance of milk and farinaceous food. Let him have plenty of fresh air, exercise, and play.
If the boil should arise from gross and improper feeding, then keep him for a time from meat, and let him live principally on a milk and farinaceous diet.